On that occasion, Minister Sugiono acknowledged the impressive 99.6 percent implementation rate of the APSC Blueprint 2025 but stressed the critical importance of ASEAN's preparedness in addressing increasingly complex security challenges.
"We need to focus more on real threats such as transnational crime. This is not merely a security issue, but a serious threat to ASEAN community building itself," Sugiono stated.
To fight transnational crime more effectively, he called for enhanced cooperation among law enforcement agencies across ASEAN countries.
He suggested concrete measures such as conducting joint investigations, sharing information, providing mutual legal assistance, and designating national focal points to facilitate swift and coordinated communication and action.
"ASEAN requires a strong, integrated, and collective response, which focuses on victim protection and effective law enforcement," he pointed out.
Minister Sugiono also highlighted the importance of integrating the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) into the APSC framework.
"AOIP must serve as a unifying framework and encourage cooperation across different pillars and sectors," he said.
He further urged the implementation of the Concept Paper on AOIP from a Defense Perspective, which ASEAN had agreed upon in 2023.
He also encouraged other ASEAN sectoral bodies to adopt similar steps to ensure AOIP is fully mainstreamed in the APSC Strategic Plan, aiming toward the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
The APSC Council Meeting serves as a high-level forum for ASEAN political and security ministers to discuss the strategic direction of regional cooperation.
During the meeting, the ASEAN Political-Security Community Council Report and APSC Strategic Plan were also adopted.
Translator: Katriana, Kenzu
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
